When Schellas Hyndman arrived as FC Dallas coach this summer from Southern Methodist University, it wasn't long before he brought SMU's Brazilian playmaker Bruno Guarda along too. With more than a suspicion of favoritism as Guarda became part of a starting line-up producing few positive results, Guarda's weekend goal in the 4-1 win at the Chicago Fire came as a relief to both coach, players and fans.

"It's going to be the first of many [goals] coming in MLS," Guarda told Diego Aparicio. "I am just glad, not just for myself, but for my team that we got a win. It came at the right time to help the team and myself."

"It's a normal thought," said Hyndman on fans' skeptical comments about Guarda's rapid elevation. "I've been getting from Bruno what I've been wanting from him for a while, and that's playing both sides of the ball and be a player to add a little bit of energy to unbalanced opposition. I would not just put him out there if he was just my favorite."

Guarda, 22, skipped his senior season at SMU to turn pro in July. He has played in every match since arriving at Dallas -- the first three as a substitute followed by four starts.

Captain Duilio Davino said that whether Guarda "is or not the coach's favorite player, it's not his fault. He is doing his job and doing it well. Little by little, he's earning respect from his teammates. He scored a goal and is stepping in the right direction."